It was an emotional moment for Paul-Emile Chiasson when a family from Syria, five kids and their parents, became Canadian citizens in Saint John in December 2021. He had watched on zoom as they sat on their couch holding Canadian flags and took the oath from a judge.
It was an emotional moment for Paul-Emile Chiasson when a family from Syria, five kids and their parents, became Canadian citizens in Saint John in December 2021. He had watched on zoom as they sat on their couch holding Canadian flags and took the oath from a judge. There was a special connection, because Paul-Emile, his wife and several other families helped sponsor the family to come to Saint John, in 2016. He says it is a day he won’t soon forget. ‘This family has become our family’.
Paul-Emile says the fulfillment he gets from helping newcomers, dates back to growing up in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. He remembers the experience of meeting International students at the dinner table, brought home by his dad, a professor at St. Francis Xavier University.
After training teachers around New Brunswick to help newcomer students, he became Education Coordinator at UNB Saint John where he also set up an ESL program. Paul-Emile went on to serve as the President of the Saint John Immigration Board. He then became the first Chair of the Board of what has now become the Saint John Newcomers Centre, in 2009.
‘It provides the services we badly need. The retention of families is so important. Unfortunately, we still struggle with that in some ways’. That is why he has been watching the growth of the Saint John Newcomers Centre with great interest as it expands its programs. ‘It is a work in progress. There are still barriers. We have work to dispel prejudices in our community. But boy, the benefits are incredible.’
He says the Centre has helped newcomers integrate and feel more at home, but it has also helped the community adapt and understand just how much it has benefitted from having people from many cultures living here.
In October 2021, Paul-Emile and his wife and three other local families decided to sponsor another family; two brothers who married two sisters, each have 7 children. ‘They have become a part of our families, they are so loveable. It is such an enriching experience.’
Helping newcomer families come to Saint John is something Paul-Emile feels more people in the community should consider doing. ‘Whatever we give, we get back ten-fold in so many different ways.’
As for advice he would give newcomers: ‘Don’t be shy. Go after all of the services and free classes available, even on zoom. Speak to as many Canadians as possible. Learn the language. Don’t be shy even if your English is not perfect. That is how to meet local people. There are people here who understand your culture.
Want to Volunteer?
The Saint John Newcomers Centre offers a variety of rewarding volunteering opportunities for Saint Johner’s looking to make a difference in the lives of newcomers to the community. Whether you have a passion for teaching, mentoring, event planning, or simply lending a helping hand, there is a role for everyone at the Newcomers Centre. Join us in creating a welcoming and inclusive community for all.
